Tigern

Tigern is a proper noun found in Gaelic-language contexts, used as a given name and, less commonly, as a toponym. In Irish and Scottish Gaelic sources, the spelling and form vary across periods, and Tigern is attested primarily in medieval genealogies and annals.

The exact etymology of Tigern is uncertain. Some scholars link it to Old Irish or Gaelic roots associated with strength or sovereignty, while others note possible connections to words meaning "lord" or "chieftain." There is no wide consensus on a single definitive origin, and interpretations remain speculative.

Modern usage of Tigern as a first name is rare. It tends to appear in discussions of Gaelic onomastics, in revived-name projects, or in fictional or speculative writing inspired by Gaelic culture. When encountered outside of historical texts, Tigern is typically chosen for its cultural or aesthetic associations rather than as a common, widely used name.

Related spellings and variants, such as Tigernach or Tiarnach, reflect historical phonology and orthography in medieval Irish and Gaelic. Because of these variations, Tigern by itself can be ambiguous in older sources, and distinguishing among forms often requires attention to the surrounding genealogical or textual context.